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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, September 29, 1998 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALGoals Planning Session Reveals Several Problems Facing Schools Goals Planning Session Reveals Several Problems Facing SchoolsEditor’s Note: This is the first in a two-part series on the Goals Planning Session held Monday night by the Ponca City Board of Education. By KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Graduation requirements, retention and dropout rates were discussed in great length Monday night at a Goals Planning Session, held by the Ponca City Board of Education. Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City, informed board members, community leaders and administrators that Ponca City still has a severe dropout rate. According to statistics from White, 211 seventh through 12th graders dropped out of school last year. He also informed the board that the school loses about 150 students per class over a four year time span. The number of entering freshman in the fall of 1994-95 was 477 and only 325 of those graduated. That makes the graduation rate at 68.1 percent. The number of GED students has also increased over the last few years. In 1996-97, 28 students enrolled in GED compared to 80 in 1997-98. The top reason for dropping out of school is truancy/absenteeism. That is followed by not returning from the previous year, a general dislike for school, leaving to accept employment, moving during the school term for unknown reasons and behavior problems. Richard Severance, general manager of the Mid-Continent Business Unit, addressed board members on the Youth Summit held last week concerning problems facing today’s youth. He said that citizens of Ponca City need to become aware of the growing problem of dropouts and that career awareness is very important. Mayor Tom Leonard agreed with Severance by saying that Ponca City needs to look at some kind of School-to-Work concept. “We don’t have to adopt the federal program, but we can formulate our own plan,” Leonard said. He also expressed his concern over the lack of communication with the public and suggested that the school board meetings be televised. Graduation Requirements Discussion was held over the graduation requirements at Po-Hi. Talk was made over lowering the credits to 21, down from 23. Jerry Winkle, principal of Po-Hi, said that by lowering the number of credits needed every student at Po-Hi would have a realization of receiving a diploma. Discussion was also held about handing out a Diploma of Distinction to many of the students who exceed the graduation requirements. This diploma means that students would take four units of English, science, math and social studies, plus two art, two technology, and two foreign language. Instilling a graduation test was elaborated. The test would be given to juniors and according to many administrators it would mean holding the students more accountable for their test scores. Retention Reducing the reliance on retention in early grades was discussed. Dr. White told members that about 23 to 25 percent of students are retained sometime during their school career. He said that the largest group is in the tenth grade. Several school principal’s gave their recommendations on retention. Dr. Patty Ladd, principal of Garfield Academy, said that a Multiage class might be a good idea for some of the schools. According to Ladd the Multiage class, which houses first through third grade students, has a waiting list at Garfield. Tom Sipe, principal of Roosevelt Elementary, said that looking at all-day four-year-old expansion and all-day kindergarten classes might be helpful. Talk was also made on the Great Expectations program, which builds self-esteem in children. (The next article will look at the upcoming bond issue in February 1999 and the six goals in detail) Pep Rally Set For ThursdayPonca Citians will have the opportunity to come downtown and “back the Cats” at a community-wide homecoming pep rally Thursday at 5 p.m. on the lawn of the Civic Center. The pep rally, sponsored by the Ponca City Main Street Authority and Mix 100 KIXR, will feature the Wildcat football team and coaches, the Big Blue Band and flag corps, Po-Hi Steppers, cheerleaders, Willie Wildcat and the homecoming queen and her court. In Friday night’s homecoming match-up, the Ponca City Wildcats will take on the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs. Royalty will be Abby Roth, sophomore; Shannon Mersman, junior; and Carrie Evans, Melissa Whitney and Elsie Jefferies, seniors. Osage County Murder Trial Reset for Feb. 9PAWHUSKA — The murder trial of an Osage County woman scheduled to begin today has been rescheduled to Feb. 9. Christine Coffelt Scott, 9701 East U.S. 60, was arrested and charged in July 1997 with the first degree murder of her husband, Melvin Scott Jr., who was reportedly shot to death with a .38 caliber revolver. According to the Osage County court clerk’s office the trial was rescheduled after a motion for continuance, filed by Scott’s lawyer, was granted. Scott remains free on a $25,000 bond. Ashley Dawn Van Hoesen Wins Title of Miss Ponca City 1998Ashley Dawn Van Hoesen, daughter of Everette and Sonja Van Hoesen, 1140 LA Cann Drive, won the title of Miss Ponca City 1998 at festivities Saturday at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. First runner-up was Carrie Ann Evans, daughter of Gene and Connie Evans, 1205 Brentwood. Miss Ponca City, Ashley Van Hoesen, will represent Ponca City as a Visiting Queen and a member of the Queen’s Court in the 67th Annual Arkalalah, Arkansas City’s annual Halloween Festival slated for Oct. 30 and 31 The new Miss Ponca City is a Junior at Ponca City High School. She has maintained a 4.0 grade average since eighth grade, served as a Junior Kiwanian in ninth grade and received two academic letters and two bars. She has been listed as a Who’s Who High School student and received the United States Student Council award and been named an All American Scholar. She also holds a National English Merit award and is historian for the Po-Hi student council. A DARE guest speaker, Ashley has participated in Crimestopper fundraisers, helped to teach Safety Town for four years, been a wrestling matmaid and listed on the Superintendent’s honor roll for four years. A member of Grace Episcopal Church, Ashley enjoys horseback riding. Sponsors for the Miss Ponca City Queen Contest were Conoco, Inc., Lowe’s, Ball Trophy: Bob’s Picture Box, Carriage House Flowers, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Commercial Federal, Home National Bank, Pioneer Bank & Trust, Moore’s Clothing, GraphixXpress, John’s Apparel, Stage, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, Dwyer’s Hallmark, El Chico Mexican Restaurant, Leach Paper Company, Inc., Photo Pro, Taco Stop, McGee Jewelry, Jewelry Connection, Sterling House International, Citgo Short Stop/Rogers Oil, Golden Corral, The Buckle, The Master’s Touch, Merrifield Office Supply, David Cummings, attorney at law, Jackie Cutler Ingram, Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce and Ponca City Main Street. Anyone wishing to schedule Miss Ponca City as a guest speaker, or to participate in an event, may contact Vicki Graves, 765-4736 or 765-8679. Fire Station Remodeling To Get Under Way SoonBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer Although it is already eight weeks behind schedule, city commissioners prevented further delay in the reconstruction/remodeling of the No. 1 Fire Station by approving the construction contract during Monday night’s city commission meeting. City Commissioners unanimously approved awarding the $2.4 million contract to local contractor Rick Scott Construction Inc., whose bid averaged $300,000 less than the other six bids submitted. The contract includes all site work, paving, renovation and construction associated with the fire station project. The local contractor and local resident, Rick Scott, was indeed elated to receive the contract involving a building that was a part of his childhood. “I’m happy to be awarded this contract because this project is special to me,” Rick Scott said. “I grew up here and like most local kids I toured this fire station when I was growing up, so it’s kinda special to me.” Actual construction will begin as soon as legally possible, when the paperwork is signed and the legal requirements — such as obtaining a performance bond — are met. Predictions are that the trucks and trailers may move and the hammers and saws may be humming as soon as Oct. 15. At this point the $2.7 million project is predicted to cost at least a quarter of a million higher than originally estimated. The cost increases are due in part to the state economy says Project Architect Troy Lewis. “Our economy, as it relates to construction, is still very strong,” Lewis stated. “Several of the general contractors who bid this project later told me that subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturer’s continue to be very busy and therefore prices continue to increase. Some said they were literally begging subcontractors to give them a bid. In light of this ongoing strong construction climate it is sometimes a challenge to anticipate the increases.” According to Lewis the economy has to date resulted in a $219,000 increase in the project including $130,000 increase in the cost of electrical work, $58,000 increase in the masonry work and $31,000 increase in the heating and air conditioning. In addition to the increased prices at the construction level, there have also been $164,000 increase in the scope of the project which includes $37,000 in additional paving, $54,000 in additional floor area and $13,000 for a multi-media system to be located in the training room. Also affecting the overall cost estimates was the fact that the preliminary budget was underestimated by $92,000. The figures, as upsetting as they are, were not a real surprise to city personnel involved with the project. “Original budget estimates on any project is done at the start of a project and to the best of everyone’s ability at that point, but it is still a rough estimate and when it gets down to the details things may and often do, change,” City Engineer Randy Lauritsen said. “We wish the changes would have lowered the costs but that just didn’t happen in this case,” he added. “There have been changes that have had to be made so that the building will work and there is not one item that can be taken out to bring the cost in line with the projected cost because you would have to take out an awful lot and that would be tough.” There may also be more changes on the horizon. “We have already identified one or two other things that will also have to be addressed, including a sewer related item that the city has brought to our attention,” Lewis said. “It is normal to expect about 2.5 percent increase in cost for one reason or another and we have built in a 4 percent contingency to allow for just such things but we are hoping to stay well within the 2.5 percent.” City Commissioners also awarded a street paving contract to Evans and Associates in the amount of $311,184 for the continuation of the four lane concrete street west of Waverly Street at Industrial Boulevard which, when completed, will result in a uniform concrete street the entire length of Industrial Boulevard. In other city business commissioners approved reducing the Marland Mansion admission by the amount of the gate fee for the two days of Oktoberfest and tabled a previously tabled item which would waive the rental fee for the Marland Mansion and Cultural Center for fund raisers wherein 100 percent of the proceeds would benefit the facility used. Also approved was a $6,980 proposal from Raymond Wright for mortar repair on the Marland Mansion and the purchase of a $22,000 forklift for the Solid Waste Department. In addition, commissioners approved an oil and gas lease with Springer Lands Services for 81 acres located in the west Airport Industrial Park. The City will receive a $50 per acre bonus plus a 3/16 royalty on the 3-year-lease. Unknown Parcel Collects Climatology InformationBy S.L. DICKEY News Staff Writer Greeted with a surprise from the sky, local residents Warren and Joan Dick did not know what to make of the wired, stringy parcel on their back porch. Following a dinner out and brief stop at friends, the Dick’s found the unusual container. Once home after their outing, Joan peeked out the back door as she usually does and saw a small pint-sized, milk-like container. She called their neighbor, Russ Allen, and asked if any strange packages were in their yard. Allen checked the perimeter of his home with no foreign objects in sight. With this strange conglomeration on their porch, Joan stated her hesitancy and concern in going outside and exploring the contents of the possibly threatening device. “I was afraid it was some kind of explosive,” said Joan, “It had all those wires and stuff coming out of it.” It was the next morning before the mystery was completely unraveled. Attached to the carton were shreds of latex resting on the roof. Warren pulled the mass down and Allen found a paper parachute in the trees on the outside of the Dick’s small patio. Upon close observation the package was labeled ARM and stated “If you have any questions you may call (collect)” with a listed number. They called the number on the box and spoke with the ARM Facility. Then the Ponca City News learned of the landing. ARM is the acronym for Atmospheric Radiation Measurement, a program of the Department of Energy, specifically structured at studying climatology. The 10-year program was initially started, in 1992, in an effort to study global warming. The small boxes are launched three times a day from the ARM facility between Billings and Lamont. Attached to the small box is a helium balloon. When the balloon is launched, it begins its upward journey at about three and a half feet in diameter. It travels skyward about 20-30 kilometers at which point the diameter of the balloon has now expanded to about 10 feet. The balloon then bursts and begins its descent toward earth, a paper parachute breaking its fall. This whole process takes about three hours. According to David Breedlove, Field Maintenance Supervisor of the ARM Facility, the small box collects input for about an hour and a half of its journey and transmits that information back to their computers. The box collects data on pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. Where the package lands depends on wind, weather and position of the jet stream. Many interesting and humorous stories have been relayed to the ARM facility concerning the parcels. One of Breedlove’s favorite reports came from a deer hunter in Kansas. This hunter occupied the only tree in a huge empty field. Quietly an ARM package floated into the tree beside this hunter. He told Breedlove he didn’t see a deer all day — the parcel was his only sighting and only kill. The packages are environmentally friendly and many land outside populated areas. With the data collected researchers are able to build better climatology models for the future. They also have a set of base statistics from which to conduct other experiments in areas such as solar radiation, electricity and heating demand projections based on weather statistics. And, as a result of the landing at Warren and Joan Dicks, we in Ponca City now know what the peculiar parcels are about. Testimony Begins in Shooting TrialARDMORE (AP) — Trooper Ricky Northcutt says he had no choice but to shoot and kill an ex-convict during a gun battle in which he was shot and his partner wounded. ‘‘I knew there was only one thing left that I could do to help my partner survive and that was to kill Beeson,’’ Northcutt said Monday in the first day of testimony in the trial of Ricky Lee Barnes. ‘‘He looked up and saw me. He started to use Kent’s body as cover but he left his head exposed. I fired one shot.’’ Barnes, 44, is charged with shooting with intent to kill, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of possessing a shotgun allegedly stolen from a New Mexico deputy sheriff. A judge dismissed the first-degree murder charge against Barnes, saying if Travis Ray Beeson, who was killed, had fatally shot Northcutt, then Barnes could have been held accountable for the trooper’s death. The judge ruled that because the 29-year-old Beeson, also known as Terrance Richard Braumley, was killed it doesn’t mean Barnes’ actions led to Beeson’s demise, as prosecutors had argued. Both were ex-convicts from New Mexico. Trooper Kent Martin’s left hand was injured in a struggle with one of the ex-convicts that began during a traffic stop. Barnes suffered gunshot wounds to his abdomen, chest and head in the Jan. 20 gunbattle in Ardmore. Northcutt was shot in the abdomen, allegedly by Barnes after Beeson was shot and killed. ‘‘I heard it. I saw it. I felt it,’’ Northcutt said of being shot. ‘‘I started firing (at Barnes). He started going down and I stopped firing,’’ Northcutt said. ‘‘He hit his knees and both hands came up together and he fired ... I dropped to my knees.’’ Carter County sheriff’s deputy Jim Sturges, who arrived shortly after the shootout began, said he disarmed Barnes during the fight. Barnes ‘‘started rolling in my direction and raising his gun in my direction. I reached down and twisted to break his grip,’’ Sturges said. ‘‘I was yelling ‘police officer, don’t move.’ His roll was an intentional movement. It wasn’t a grimace of pain. He had already been in a shootout with other officers. I felt my life was in jeopardy.’’ If convicted, Barnes could face up to four life sentences. District Attorney Gary Henry said he expects testimony to end today. Symphony Orchestra Concert Set ThursdaySTILLWATER — The Oklahoma State University music department presents the OSU Symphony Orchestra in concert Thursday. The program consists of three orchestral masterpieces — Howard Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2,” Elgar’s “Nimrod” from the Enigma Variations, and “The Unanswered Question” by Charles Ives. The concert Thursday starts at 8 p.m. at the Seretean Center Concert Hall. Tickets are sold at the door, and prices for students and seniors are $2 and $4 for the general public. For additional information contact Tiana Childers, (405) 744-2493. DEATHSCarl V. Thorpe Carl V. ThorpeSHERMAN, Texas — Carl V. Thorpe, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Sept. 28, 1998, at Wilson N. Jones Regional Health System in Sherman, Texas. He was 67. A memorial service is to be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sherman. The Rev. Neill Morgan of Covenant Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Clay Brantly of the First Presbyterian Church in McKinney will officiate. A private family graveside service is scheduled prior to the memorial service at the Field of Honor at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman. Military graveside honors will be conducted by an honor guard from Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home, Sherman, Texas. Carl V. Thorpe was born Oct. 22, 1930 in Sapulpa, the son of Samuel N. and May (Duncan) Thorpe. He attended schools in Oklahoma and graduated from high school in Ponca City. He received his master’s degree from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. He married Kathleen Rhoten on Dec. 29, 1951, in El Reno. Thorpe served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1971, retiring as Senior Master Sergeant. He then taught school for the Sherman ISD from 1975-1988 at Jefferson Elementary and Dillingham Middle School. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Eastern Star, and was honored as the Oklahoma “Jaycee Spoke of the Year” in 1962. Thorpe was a member of the Sherman Barbershop Chorus, served as a coach for the Sherman Little League Baseball and as an elder at the Covenant Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Thorpe of Pottsboro, Texas; one son, Sam Thorpe of Sherman, Texas; one daughter, Rebecca Bolen of Pottsboro, Texas; two brothers, Jack Thorpe and Sydney Thorpe, both of Ponca City; one sister, Nina Davis of Oklahoma City; and three grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Thorpe’s name to the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 322 West Pecan Street, Sherman, TX 75090. Lewis Eugene HunterLewis Eugene Hunter, Ponca City resident, died Thursday Sept. 24, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 69. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 30, 1998 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Danny Ringer, First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Lewis Hunter was born April 22, 1929 in Ponca City the son of Lewis Edmonston and Lila (Ranzau) Hunter. He attended Ponca City schools. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Serving first at Lackland Air Force Base he was transferred overseas and served four years in England. In 1952 he was married to Blanche Brett at Mulvane, Kan. In 1953 he moved to El Paso, Texas and began employment with General Motors. He was transferred to several locations during his career including Oakland, Calif. in 1956, Van Nuys, Calif., in 1957 and to La Mirada, Calif., in 1968. After retirement from General Motors in 1976 he returned to Ponca City the following year. Hunter was a member of the American Legion Huff-Minor Post No. 14. He enjoyed fishing and traveling. Surviving are three daughters, Linda Mattinson and Debra Bakir, both of Anaheim, Calif. and Michele Cantrell, of Fullerton, Calif.; two sons, Scott Eugene Hunter, of Corona, Calif., and Craig Allen Hunter, of Anaheim, Calif.; three sisters, Delores Zbosnik of Llano, Texas, Ramona Hicks of Camarillo, Calif., and Patricia Beckett, of Philadelphia, Pa.; one brother, Zonnie Hunter, of Philadelphia, Pa.; four grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and other relatives living in the Ponca City area. He was preceded in death by his parents. Margaret Walton CampbellTONKAWA — Margaret Walton Campbell, former Tonkawa resident, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 1998, at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital in Enid. She was 65. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, at Oakwood Christian Church, Enid, with Dan Hippley, Minister of Youth, officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at the IOOF Cemetery in Tonkawa under the direction of Ladasau-Evans Funeral Home, Enid. Margaret (Nagel) Walton Campbell was born Aug. 15, 1933, to Albert and Martha Nagel. She attended Mount Victory Country School, Billings Grade School, St. Joseph Memorial High School and Enid Business College in Enid. She married Alvin Moretti in October 1954. She later married James Walton in January 1972, and they made their home in Tonkawa. After the death of Mr. Walton in 1991, she moved to Enid. In February 1993, she was married to Claude Campbell. Mrs. Campbell was a member of Oakwood Christian Church in Enid. Survivors include her husband, Claude, of the home; seven children, Patrick Moretti of Goose Creek, S.C., Mike Moretti of Florida, Susan Moretti and Joe Moretti, both of Decatur, Ill., Tony Moretti of Rockford, Ill., Jerry Moretti of Indianapolis, Ind., and Lisa Howard of Tonkawa; two step-daughters, Claudia Jones of Okemah and Helen Rodebush of Oklahoma City; three brothers, Vince Nagel of Enid, John Nagel of Del City, and Bud Nagel of Garber; two sisters, Mary Ann Roth of Oklahoma City and Sister Gertrude Nagel of Piedmont; 14 grandchildren; 17 step-grandchildren; and 26 step-great-grandchildren. In addition to her second husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oakwood Christian Church Family Life Center, c/o Ladasau-Evans Funeral Home, P.O. Box 3501, Enid, OK 73702. The family will visit with friends at Oakwood Christian Church from 11:30 a.m. Wednesday until service time. Velma I. LeeARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Velma I. Lee, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Sept. 28, 1998, at Medicalodge East Health Center in Arkansas City, Kan. She was 69. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home with Mr. Jesse Kindred officiating. Burial will be in Parker Cemetery, Arkansas City, Kan. Velma I. (Ivey) Lee was born Aug. 8, 1929, in Cassville, Mo., to Henry and Mary (Richardson) Ivey. She grew up and attended schools in Ponca City. She was married to Marion Lee on Oct. 23, 1953, in Newkirk and the couple made their home in Arkansas City, until 1983, when they moved to Hickory Hill at Hulah Lake. Mrs. Lee moved to Medicalodge East after the death of her husband in Sept. 1997. Survivors include one sister, Betty Headrick of Derby, Kan., and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Lee’s name to Chaplin Nature Center, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, 100 East Kansas Ave., Arkansas City, KS 67005. NEWS BRIEFSGames People Play — Games People Play workshop Friday and Saturday at Camp McFadden for all who work with people of any age. Goals of workshop are to teach teamwork, self esteem and confidence, problem solving, trust and more. Registration is $25. To register, or for additional information, call Connie Schones at the Northern Oklahoma Youth Services office, 762-8342. Fire Prevention Week Event. Come join us for “Celebrity Host Night at Golden Corral”, Oct. 9th, 5:00-8:00 p.m., $.99 Kids meal. Sparky, a Magician, Clowns, Firemen, Firetrucks and Celebrity Hosts. Funds earned at event will go towards a Fire Safety House. This Event Sponsored by Ponca City Fire Prevention Advisory Council. adv. Break-In — At 7:09 a.m. Monday police were advised of a break-in at the Friendly Tavern, 705 North Osage Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Flag Theft — At 7:14 a.m. Monday police were notified that flags had been stolen from Lew Wentz Golf Course. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Stolen Vehicle — A man in the 200 block of South Fourteenth Street contacted police at 7:33 a.m. Monday reporting that his vehicle had been stolen. An officer was assigned. National Wild Turkey Federation 2nd Annual Banquet will be held September 29, 1998 at the Elks Lodge at 1308 Bradley.. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and dinner is set for 7:00 p.m. If you are a NWTF member, dinner is only $10.00. Call 765-4436 or 762-3320 for more information. adv. Bike Theft — At 10:18 a.m. Monday a man in the 500 block of West Chestnut Avenue reported a stolen bike. A report was taken. Stolen Sticker — A man in the 300 block of South Sunset Street called police at 11:01 a.m. Monday advising them that the sticker from his vehicle had been stolen. Every Wednesday ð price clothes, shoes and purses except priced items. Check our Daily Specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Accident — A backing accident in the 800 block of North Second Street was reported to police at 11:40 a.m. Monday. Accident — Police were advised of a vehicular accident in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street at 12:15 p.m. Monday. One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. A second accident and then a third accident in the same block were also reported at 12:31 p.m. and at 12:56 p.m. Monday. Instant Passport Pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765- 4348. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle accident at North Ash Street and West Cleveland Avenue was reported to police at 3:30 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned. Assault — At 3:58 p.m. Monday a woman in the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue advised police that she had been assaulted. A domestic assault and battery report was taken. Stabbing — At 9:41 p.m. Monday one person was taken from the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center by ambulance for treatment of knife wounds received from a stabbing. Hit & Run — At 11:37 p.m. Monday a hit and run in the 600 block of South Twelfth Street was reported to police. An officer was assigned. Burglary — At 6:34 a.m. Tuesday a burglary in the 3300 block of McCord Road was reported to police. False Alarm — At 10:31 p.m. Monday police received a call advising of a bomb that had exploded in the street in the 300 block of South Ash Street and another call reported hearing gunshots. Police responded and determined that fireworks had been ignited in the area. Fraudulent Check — At 4:28 p.m. Monday police were notified that Jimmy’s Western Wear, 2412 North Fourteenth Street, had received a check written on a closed account. Officers checking on the report, located and arrested a 26-year-old man for presenting fraudulent checks, and 27-year-old man was also held. Arrest — A 40-year-old man was arrested at 4:44 p.m. Monday from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue for indecent exposure and public intoxication. Forged Check — At 5:14 p.m. Monday a man in the 900 block of Gray Avenue advised police that his daughter’s check had been forged. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday 6-8 p.m. 205 West Hartford. adv. Bogus Check — A bogus check was reported at 5:28 p.m. Monday at Moore’s Clothing, 2103 North Fourteenth Street. Arrest — Police arrested a 33-year-old woman at 9:16 p.m. Monday from the police station on a city warrant for failure to appear. Seeking Help? — The Ponca City News offers help in advertising an event in the News Briefs. LIFESTYLESOktoberfeast Menu Listed Oktoberfeast Menu ListedBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer The “Oktoberfeast” menu for the Oktoberfest has tasty morsels to please all taste buds. From the spicy to the sweet the menu is mouth watering. When the Oktoberfest opens Saturday and Sunday at the Marland Mansion Grounds visitors will have a total of 18 food booths from which to choose speciality foods or just the ordinary every day favorites, such as hotdogs and hamburgers. To get into the spirit of the Oktoberfest visitors may want to try a bratwurst or polish sausage, and for the adults, wash these down with a stein or mug of beer from the beer garden. Main course foods listed are Frito Chili Pie, Indian Tacos, BBQ beef; chili tacos, taco salad, chimichangas, taco burger, chalupas, cajun pork sandwich, cajun hamburger, chicken fired steak sandwich, brisket, smoked pork sandwich and baked potatoes. Other goodies on the menu are Mozzarella cheese sticks, French Fries, pretzels, nachos, Okie Potatoes, popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy and snow cones. Dessert items are strawberry Newburg, apple cinnamon pie/ice cream; cherry cinnamon pie/ice cream, caramel apple sundaes, cinnamon rolls, funnel cakes, kolachies, sweet glazed popcorn, cinnamon roasted almonds, pecans and ice cream bars. The gates to the Marland Mansion grounds open at 10 a.m., Saturday and will close at 9 p.m. On Sunday the Oktoberfest opens at 11 a.m., and closes at 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for those 12 and over, $1 for those 7 to 11, and children under six are admitted free. Live entertainment will be performing on two stages, plus in the children’s tent both days. Frontier 4-H Club Officers Installed At Awards DinnerThe Frontier 4-H club annual Awards Presentation and Dinner was held on Sept. 25. Jennifer Buxton opened the meeting, followed by Rachel Kelly leading the pledge to the flag and the 4- H pledge, and Linda Kodesh, reporter, giving the invocation. After the meal song leaders, Annmarie Kelly and Diane Kodesh, led the song “This Land is Your Land.” Brenda Kodesh, secretary, welcomed the guests. Frontier 4-H club leader Connie Kodesh recognized the members and made announcements on awards won by the members and recognized the members’ parents for all of their support. Outgoing officers conducted the installation ceremony of the incoming officers. Outgoing officers were Jennifer Buxton, president; Rebecca Nida, vice-president; Brenda Kodesh, secretary; Megan Williams, treasurer; Linda Kodesh, reporter; Leah Wilkerson and Jillian Kodesh, game leaders; Annmarie Kelly and Diane Kodesh, song leaders. New officers for Frontier 4-H Club are Brenda Kodesh, president; Rachel Kelly, vice-president; Diane Kodesh, secretary; Jillian Kodesh, treasurer; Jennifer Buxton, reporter; Bobby Kelly and Lance Sisco, game leaders; Linda Kodesh and Annmarie Kelly, song leaders. Jennifer Buxton announced the door prize winner was Dustin Ratliff, and presented Connie Kodesh a special gift from the group. OSU Web Page Very InformativeBy Trisha Gedon OSU Extension Service STILLWATER — With just a few clicks on the computer keyboard, Oklahomans can access a wealth of information on just about any topic. “More and more consumers are looking to the World Wide Web to locate timely consumer information,” said Lynda Harriman, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension assistant director. With that in mind, Family and Consumer Sciences state specialists OSU’s Cooperative Extension Service have developed a web page containing a wide variety of information. The address is www.okstate.edu/hes/fci/ The page contains information concerning community leadership, environment, family, family finances, home-based business, parenting, nutrition and older adults. Internet “surfers” also can find additional links for more information. The goal is to ensure the consumer has access to up-to-the-minute, reliable information, Harriman said. “Our site will provide reliable, accurate, research-based consumer information,” she said. “It can immediately connect consumers with educators and educational information on which they can depend. This is a cost-effective way to make available information to our citizens, keeping them abreast of new and pertinent research findings on topics which can impact their quality of life.” The page also provides consumers with links to the OSU Cooperative Extension homepage, a directory of Cooperative Extension County Offices including phone and fax numbers, as well as a calendar of Extension events. Glenn Muske, home-based and micro-business specialist, serves as coordinator for the web page. “We’ll make every effort to include information from all aspects of our work in Cooperative Extension,” Muske said. “Our role as family and consumer scientists is to enhance well-being and the quality of life of Oklahomans. The World Wide Web provides an additional tool to help us accomplish our mission.” Individuals who do not have access to the Internet should check with their local County Extension Office, the local library or the public schools to inquire about the use of their computer equipment for Internet Access. Some facilities allow the public to access the Internet at certain times during the day. Consumers may need to call ahead for arrangements. BUSINESSCity Sales Tax Returns Up During July City Sales Tax Returns Up During JulyPonca City sales tax return from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for business conducted during July was up compared to the same time period last year. Ponca City coffers will receive a total of $921,059 up from $732,480 for the same time frame in 1997. Marc LaBossiere, Finance Director for the City of Ponca City, notes that when comparing year-over-year sales tax collections, the recent voter approved a dedicated half cent sales tax to renovate and expand the No. 1 Fire Station must be considered. This tax equates to 14.29 percent of total collections, or $131,579 in the current month. This tax went into effect Dec. 1, 1997 and will expire on Nov. 30, 1999. Factoring out the new dedicated tax, and comparing year-over-year collections on retail sales, total sales tax collections in the current month have increased from the same period of the prior year by 7.78 percent, according to LaBossiere. Statewide, the distribution of city sales tax collections totaled $71,222,185. The disbursement of sales tax collections to 487 cities and towns showed an increase of $2,222,576. Use Tax In addition to sales tax, the City of Ponca City receives a use tax, which is paid on catalog sales or materials purchased out of state and delivered here. The use tax has been climbing recently too. The use tax distributed by the Oklahoma Tax Commission to the City totaled $51,620, compared to the same time frame in 1997, which totaled $21,903. City July 98 July 97 Barnsdall $13,030 $10,857 Bartlesville 1,028,063 983,835 Billings 5,274 10,016 Blackwell 90,765 96,042 Braman 1,752 2,161 Burbank 451 439 Deer Creek 638 1,067 Enid 1,249,996 1,249,007 Fairfax 16,598 13,879 Kaw City 3,630 3,302 Lamont 1,950 1,887 Marland 982 932 Medford 22,055 10,325 Morrison 5, 071 3,984 Newkirk 22,742 23,432 Pawhuska 50,512 52,489 Pawnee 28,724 32,255 Perry 83,935 37,796 Pond Creek 8,879 7,544 Ralston 804 1,302 Red Rock 818 692 Shidler 2,394 2,100 Stillwater 957,856 895,051 Tonkawa 34,047 37,954 Local Higher Education Center Could Help Develop Work ForceBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE Business Editor Biggest challenge of the future for Oklahoma is development of work force Sid Hudson, director for Education Relations and Economic Development for the State Regents, said here Monday at a meeting of civic leaders. A pilot program for a higher education learning center in Ponca City that would foster work force development was discussed. The group was made up of civic leaders, state legislators, and educators from Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma University, Northern Oklahoma College as well as members of the Oklahoma State Board of Regents. Purpose behind this proposed pilot program concept is bringing education to the client, rather than the client going to an institution. Also the program would be custom-designed for the community and could be delivered by either OSU or OU or a combination. According to Carl Renfro, Ponca City, a state regent, the State Regents’ challenge is to use higher education resources in a way that will meet the needs of communities. He noted that only seven percent of the people in Oklahoma are not within 30 miles of a college campus. However 66 of the 77 counties have higher education needs that are not being met. The luncheon event was hosted by Conoco. Carl Renfro introduced the group, which included local and regional educators, civic leaders and members of the business community. Renfro said, “The State Regents are working with state leaders to figure out how to improve our work force and our economic competitiveness. We need 70,000 college degree holders in this state just to be average in the nation. “Our Citizens Commission told us that we are seeing and will continue to see big demographic changes and that we need to find new ways of using higher education resources to meet the needs of a changing population.” Dr. Dennis Jones, president of the National Center for Higher Education management Systems (NCHEMS), a research and development center whose purpose is to improve the management effectiveness of colleges and universities, worked closely with the Citizens Commission on the Future of Oklahoma higher education. Also present was Dr. Aims McGuinness, senior associate of NCHEMS. A site is one part of the project that the community would be expected to provide. Discussion determined that sites available include Conoco and Pioneer Area Technology Center. A needs assessment of the type of educational programs in the community is another requirement. Dr. Jones recommended it be done locally and suggested it could be undertaken by Northern Oklahoma College. If the concept proves to be worthwhile, the pilot idea could be presented to the State Board of Regents at the October meeting, voted on in December and perhaps funded by the Legislature and be ready to go next summer or fall. Monday was a brainstorming session with locals being invited to ask questions and tell of their needs and concerns. Legislators in attendance were Sen. Paul Muegge (D-Tonkawa) and Reps. Jim Newport (R-Ponca City) and Jim Reese (R-Nardin). Also present was David Myers, Republican candidate for state senate. From the education arena from Stillwater were Dr. Marvin Keener, executive vice president, OSU, and Dr. Jim Hromas, dean of University Extension, International and Economic Development. (See CENTER, Page 3A) Hispanic Community Concern of ChamberBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce has been involved in forming a Hispanic Alliance to help integrate the Hispanics into the community and to help them with language and other barriers, Chairman Richard Severance announced at the Friday Board meeting. Severance told of efforts to have translations of city and school information for the Hispanics. The chairman also commented on the recent Youth Summit and complimented Ann Bandy and Helene Swartz on a good job. He said Cathy Keating made some outstanding remarks. Severance said the result of the summit is that priorities will be set and several goals are expected to be accomplished in this area. Art Myers, who is involved with the Pioneer Transportation Corporation, announced there will be a public hearing on a grant that the organization is applying from the federal government to establish a transit system. The meeting is slated for 7 p.m. today at Pioneer Technology Center. In addition to the $300,000-plus grant, the community will need to contribute about $180,000 the first year and $160,000 the second year. The Chamber Bucks program, which has proved successful in the past, is being revamped somewhat. The new Chamber Bucks will be in the form of checks. Also there will now be two denominations, $25 and $10. The Christmas promotion of the Chamber will include a $5,000 Ponca Buck that can be spent at participating businesses. Craig Myers, chairman elect, announced the first planning session for 1999 has been set for Oct. 15. Myers also reviewed the state questions as part of a report of the Legislative Committee. The next Second Friday Forum is set for Oct. 9, and will feature candidates for county commissioners, judges and state senate races. Lisa Coy announced three up-coming ribbon cuttings. They are Davis-Moore at 10 a.m., Oct. 2; Big Lots, 9 a.m., Oct. 14; and John’s Apparel at 10 a.m., Oct. 19. The November meeting has been moved to Nov. 20 at Conoco and the December meeting is set for December 18. The December Business After Hours will be held at the Marland Mansion and Board members voted to contribute $100 each to fund the event. Barry Bickle reported on the recent Breakfast of Champions with Rob Geresi of Stillwater as the speaker. Linda Brown reported for the Economic Development Advisory Board. The treasurer’s report was by Jim Lindsay. Jan Jarrett, Chamber CEO, distributed new city maps that are sponsored by the Chamber. Ron Stevens of Baskins Hadley and Associates was present and reviewed the financial status of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation for Progress. Kathy Janes Recommended For State BoardKathy Janes, owner of Temporary Personnel Inc., has been recommended to serve as a member of the Small Business Commission and as a delegate to the 1999 Governor’s Conference on Small Business under the direction of Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin. Ms. Janes was nominated by Rep. Mike O’Neal. The Small Business Commission will help determine the 1999 Small Business Legislative agenda. The Governor’s Conference on Small Business will be closely watched by state lawmakers. A key goal of the Conference will be to craft, legislative efforts that support and encourage small business growth. Small Businesses are the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy. A little known fact is that 98 percent of the state’s businesses employ fewer than 100 workers. Ms. Janes is also a member of the Worker’s Compensation Legislative Sub-Committee, Jobs Council (Taniff), Society Human Resource Management (SHRM) Grassroots Network, Air Force Association and the Vance-Enid Community Relations Council. Ms. Janes was honored by the March of Dimes Salute to Women of Achievement as Business Owner of the Year in 1997. Refinery Manager Lauds Efforts At 80th Anniversary of FacilityEditor’s Note: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Conoco Refinery. The follow are excerpts from remarks made by Refinery Manager George Paczkowski at a celebration with the employees at the refinery recognizing the milestone. “The year was 1918 and E.W. Marland had already discovered oil on the Willie Cry lease southwest of Ponca City. Now Marland was starting up the Marland Oil Company’s new oil refinery right here on this site. It was just a simple skimming refinery built to make kerosene for lanterns and gasoline for the newly invented automobiles. “In the early 1920s other units were added to the refinery to help refine the oil. It was about that time that the Continental Building was built. From there, in Marland’s office and boardroom, the business of Marland Oil Company was conducted. His office and boardroom are used today and are for the most part in their original condition. In 1929 Marland Oil and Continental Oil Company merged, and the refinery grew. “Today, 80 years after Marland started the first crude skimming plant, stands a safe, modern and highly productive refinery.” Addressing the employees, Paczkowski said, “All of us as employees can be very proud of what we have accomplished. We run one of the safest refineries in the world. Safety is our top priority and in the last two years fewer people have been injured than ever before. The plant has gone over two years without a lost time accident and very few recordable injuries of any kind. Other companies are now using us as their role model in safety. Thank you for operating such a safe plant.” He continued, “Our second priority is care of the environment. We operate only with the consent of the community. We have reduced the ‘smells’ from the refinery and have had far fewer environmental incidents than ever before in our history. Our goal is zero — zero injuries and zero cases of environmental incidents. “Now in addition to safety and environmental stewardship, we know that our main goals are to make quality products for our customers and make money for our stockholders. I’m pleased to say that we’re doing well in these areas too. Today, we are the largest refinery in the mid-continent, running over 180,000 barrels per day of crude. We have learned that it is not the age of the asset that matters, it’s how you maintain and take care of the asset.” We are just finishing a major project installing state-of-the-art advanced computer controls on all of our processes operated from a new central control room. Our refinery has never run better or more productively, and all of you as employees deserve congratulations and thanks for making this refinery the success it is today.” He added, “Doctors tell us that the key to a long life is to stay healthy. And that’s exactly what we’ve become — a vibrant healthy business. We have moved from being a fourth quartile performer in the refining industry to now being a second quartile performer. And in 1999 we will become a first quartile performer. And after that we will move on to accomplish what the sign says at the entrance to the plant: ‘The Best Refinery in the United States’! Best means safest, Best means fewest emissions. Best means most profitable. That’s not just a wish. That’s the plan — a plan that all of you are executing very well — a plan to do more work ourselves, less work by others — a plan where all of your jobs are secure because we’re good at what we do and we do it better than anyone else.” Pizza Hut Plans Pilot Play AreaChisholm Enterprises, doing business as Pizza Hut, has announced addition of a three-story playsafe playground to be constructed at the Ponca City Pizza Hut. This is the first outdoor playground test site of its kind to be located at a Pizza Hut in the United States. Pizza Hut of Ponca City is working hard to meet the needs of their customers through various childern’s programs and activities. If this proves to be a positive addition to the services provided by Pizza Hut, other Pizza Huts will make a move in this direction, according to Phil Burger, manager. Frames & Things Grand Opening Set for SaturdayGrand opening of Frames & Things Showroom, 216 East Central, will be Saturday. Owner Carolyn Yeargin, said, “The idea of the Frames & Things” came about as a result of some of my friends complimenting me on my home decor, and saying I should be an interior decorator. So after a 32-year tenure at Conoco, retiring July 1 of this year, I decided to open the show room.” The business will offer a variety of items including gifts, custom made oak frames, custom matting and framing, solid oak decorative shelves and fireplace mantels, “AKscents” candles, seasonal items, custom made oak clocks and more. All of the solid oak frames and things are hand crafted here in Ponca City. The store manager/decorator is Karen Bumgarner, who does the matting and framing. Also she does flower arranging and gives free consultations. Adjudicator Chosen For Art Center ShowAdjudicator for the 1998 Photography Competition for the Ponca City Art Association will be Ken Helt, M. Photog., Cr., PPA-Certified. The event is slated for Oct. 11 through Nov. 1 at the Ponca City Art Center. There is still time to enter before the deadline of Oct. 7. This competition will allow a venue for all photographers, from beginners to students and advanced students and advanced amateurs, to see their work exhibited and judged along with others in their category. Ken Helt owns a studio in Stillwater and specializes in environmental portraiture, including weddings, dance recitals, seniors and some commercial work. Helt’s parents owned a photography studio in Stillwater and he joined them about 15 years ago continuing their great photographic tradition. Helt has been recognized by the Professional Photographers of America, Inc. with the Master of Photography and Craftsman degrees and has received the prestigious PPA status as a Certified Professional Photographer. He is a past president of the Professional Photographers of Oklahoma and is currently president of the Southwestern Professional Photographers Association. Helt was appointed this spring to the board of the International Photography Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. No person may enter more than six works by any photographic process eligible. All entries must be 5 x 7 inches or larger, mounted, and wired for hanging. Entries must be originals by the entrant and not a previous award winner of Ponca City Art Association Photography Competitions. Special awards to be determined by Helt will include Best of Show award. This award will be selected from all photography entries and pays a $100 cash award. The Peoples’ Choice Award, determined by balloting by visitors to the exhibition, will be presented at the close of the show and will award the winner with $50 cash. “The Family” has been chosen as the theme for this year’s special awards division. Entries should be color or black and white and illustrate the essence of family. To qualify, entries must be specifically entered in this division, and anyone may enter. Four divisions will be recognized at the competition — Student, Amateur, Advanced, and Special Award. Student division encompasses high school age students or younger; amateur division is for nonprofessional photographers and anyone who has not won two first place ribbons in past shows; advanced division includes photographers for hire, or anyone who has won two first place ribbons in past shows; and, in the special awards division, anyone may enter a maximum of two prints. Prizes include $50 for each first place in student color and black and white, amateur color and amateur black and white, advanced color and advanced black and white and special award. Second places in these divisions award $25, and third place in the divisions awards $10 to winners. Photography entries will be excepted at the Art Center from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, and from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. Entries may also be shipped to the Ponca City Art Center, 819 E. Central, Ponca City, OK 74601. If shipped, the entries must be shipped in reusable boxes and will be returned C.O.D. at the conclusion of the competition. A reception from 1:30 to 5 p.m. will be held Sunday, Oct. 11, marking the opening of the exhibition and all photographers, Art Association members and guest are welcome. The Ponca City Art Association Photography Competition is funded in part by the Gareth Muchmore Memorial Fund. Muchmore was a longtime director of the Ponca City Art Association and had an avid interest in Indian and western art. He was the editor and co-publisher of The Ponca City News as well as an accomplished photographer. For additional information, or to receive an entry form, call the Art Center, (580) 765-9746. Farm Bureau Adds Sullivan To Sales ForceBLACKWELL — Blackwell resident Ken Sullivan joined the agency sales force of Kay County Farm Bureau Sept. 1, according to Darren Dyer, agency manager. Sullivan will be an insurance agent for Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. He will serve clients’ needs with property and casualty, life and health insurance in addition to offering other special needs policies. Dyer said the 38-year-old Sullivan comes to Kay County Farm Bureau after spending the last 10 years as the owner-operator of Big Ken’s Outdoor Sports, a hunting, fishing, supply and guide service. Sullivan, who was born and reared in Blackwell, is a 1978 graduate of Blackwell High School. Sullivan and his wife, Debra, who is a dental assistant, have two children, Aaron and Hunter. Sullivan is a member of the Quarterback Club Football Boosters, the Blackwell Baseball Board and the Takedown Club. The Kay County Farm Bureau office is located at 206 East Blackwell. Hog Farm Neighbors Voice ConcernsWOODWARD (AP) — A state Agriculture Department committee got an earful from residents living near hog farms in northwest Oklahoma. About 100 people packed a vo-tech auditorium Monday to call for more regulations of the industry. Several talked about requiring leak-detection systems under the hog lagoons that capture manure coming from huge pig barns. The systems would detect wastewater leaking from the lagoons before it seeps into the groundwater. Some of the attendees said they feared any regulations the special rules committee created would not take into account the sandy soils that prevail, particularly along the beds of the Cimarron and North Canadian rivers. Neighbors also expressed concern that longtime cattle rancher Paul Hitch, who now raises hogs, is a voting member of the Oklahoma Board of Agriculture. Hitch often votes on items dealing with Seaboard Farms Inc., even though he rents facilities to the corporation and contracts to raise hogs for the company. Seaboard is the largest agriculture-related corporation in Oklahoma. ‘‘I can’t understand how anybody thinks that deal is right,’’ said Bill Carnagy, whose family lives in Ellis County. Several people did speak up in favor of the hog industry, saying it has been the best thing to happen to northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle in decades. Fred Little, a farmer who lives near Rosston, said Kronsede Farms Inc. and Pig Improvement Co. are among the state’s major taxpayers. He also noted that Mooreland School District’s biggest source of revenue is Kronseder. Kronseder’s placement on the tax rolls increased the district’s valuation for tax purposes by one-fourth, Superintendent Terry Kellner said recently. His son, Doug, said if it weren’t for the hog industry, he would not be able to remain in Oklahoma. ‘‘People who think we’ll do something to destroy the air and water don’t have the facts,’’ Doug Little said. SPORTSLady Cats Find Home At Last Lady Cats Find Home At LastBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer If there is an advantage to playing at home, then there should probably be an asterisk by the Lady Wildcats’ season this year. Because they haven’t been home — much, anyway. After just three home engagements this year, and after four cancellations in the past two weeks, the Lady Wildcat softballers finally managed to lure someone into their den, Monday. Unfortunately, their foe was none other than the Bartlesville Lady Bruins — currently the No. 2 ranked team in the state. Still, despite that onus, the Lady Cats put on a show for the softball-starved home town fans, dropping the first game by a run, 2-1, and falling in the second, 4-1. The Lady Cats will also face the Lady Bruins (28-11) in the first round of the Regional playoffs, Thursday. In the first game, senior pitcher Sarah Pameticky gave up just five hits and two walks to the mighty Lady Bruins, while striking out three. Though the Lady Cats actually out-hit the Lady Bruins, with seven, those hits netted just one run in an abbreviated comeback attempt in the bottom of the seventh inning. In the second game, after the Lady Bruins tied the game at 1-all in the top of the fifth, six-foot slugger Ashley Meredith slammed a 3 RBI home run to put Bartlesville up for good. Sophomore Jena Birdsong gave up just four hits and no walks to the Lady Bruins — unfortunately, those four hits all came in the decisive, sixth inning. Though the losses drop the Lady Cats to a disheartening 14-26 on the season, to coach Mike Krehbiel, the nearly-fearless performance was encouraging. “I’m really proud of them. That was a great effort against the No. 2 team in the state, and we played some great defense,” he said. “But we still need to learn to swing the bat when we’ve got runners on.” Indeed, ten stranded runners in the first game undoubtedly spoiled the Lady Cats’ chances for an early victory. In the second, fourth and sixth innings, the Lady Cats placed runners in scoring positions only to see those opportunities evaporate with inning-ending strikeouts by Bartlesville pitcher Annette Ropp. Single runs by the Lady Bruins in the fourth and sixth made the difference, however. After a double by Larissa Sheperd in the fourth, Lisa Wright followed with a sacrifice fly to center field. Though Lady Cat Alana Smith nailed the throw to home, Sheperd beat it out to put the Lady Bruins up 1-0. In the sixth, then, Sheperd drove in Ropp, who was hit by a pitch. Another close call, this time on a throw to home from Birdsong (at shortstop), was ruled in Bartlesville’s favor, though it appeared that Ropp’s slide had come up short of the plate. With a desperation come-back attempt in the bottom of the seventh, then, the Lady Cats nearly came through. Third baseman Michele McChristian led off with a single, and after advancing to second on a passed ball, went on to third on a base hit by Smith. Catcher Lendsi Boyd then came through with the sacrifice to score McChristian. Though Birdsong would follow with possibly the hardest hit ball in both games — a lined double to center field — the Lady Bruins would hold on for the final out. In that game, Birdsong was 2-for-3 with a walk, while designated hitter Harmony Murrie was 2-for-3. In the second game, it was the Lady Cats’ turn to take the 1-0 lead, this time in the bottom of the fourth. Boyd got things going with a single to right field, and after two outs, Murrie continued with the hot bat, arcing a shot to center field to send Boyd sliding in for the score. The Lady Bruins wasted no time tying the game, however, scoring once in the top of the fifth after consecutive errors by the Poncans. The Lady Cats responded again — almost. Freshman shortstop Courtney Birdsong got on with a walk, and advanced to second on a bunt by left fielder Emily Smith. With two outs, then, Boyd ripped a shot to deep center field, and with C. Birdsong wheeling in to score, Lady Bruin April Allison hurled a perfect throw to home. Though the younger Birdsong did her best to dislodge the ball by plowing into catcher Lyndsi Remington, the out was called. In the top of the sixth, after consecutive base hits by the Lady Bruins’ 2- and 3-hole hitters, Meredith then slammed a high pitch over the center field fence to give her team the decisive runs. That blow seemed to take the life out of the Lady Cats, as they popped out three times on their next at-bat and went 4-and-out in a thwarted, seventh inning come-back attempt. Boyd was the only player — on either team — with multiple hits, going 2-for-3. The Lady Cats begin Regional play Thursday, in Bartlesville. Game Notes — As far as close calls go, the Lady Cats went 1-for-6 on the evening. Alana Smith was called out on two straight photo-finishes at first, Pameticky had another, while on defense the Lady Cats missed a couple of throws by nanoseconds. Bartlesville 2, Ponca City 1 Bartlesville 000 101 0 — 2 5 1 Ponca City 000 000 1 — 1 7 0 Ropp (w) and Palmer; Pameticky (l) and Boyd Bartlesville 4, Ponca City 1 Bartlesville 000 013 0 — 4 4 0 Ponca City 000 100 0 — 1 3 0 Craig (w) and Remington; J. Birdsong (l) and Boyd. OSU Improvement Tested by HuskersBy OWEN CANFIELD AP Sports Writer STILLWATER (AP) — Bob Simmons’ first game as a head coach came against No. 2 Nebraska in 1995. Playing in Stillwater, on national television, the Cowboys got hammered 64-21. Simmons believes his program has improved quite a bit since then. ‘‘We played ’em with, I think, 18 freshmen,’’ Simmons said Monday. ‘‘A lot of those kids are still here. ‘‘We’ve improved as a program over those last three years to become a more competitive program, where we feel like we’re able to compete. ... I think we’ve got more athletes than we did back then. We’ve got older kids. We have come a long way since that ball game.’’ Just how far the Cowboys have come, and need to go, may be spelled out Saturday night when they play No. 2 Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. This game was supposed to be played in Stillwater. Simmons, after meeting with athletic director Terry Don Phillips, agreed to move the game because of the $1.3 million payday it means for the athletic department. ‘‘Football is your biggest income (sport), and the financial package of that game would indeed help the overall athletic program,’’ he said. ‘‘The fact it was 4 1/2 hours away, Arrowhead Stadium, a little bit of a festive mood and would give our fans a chance to visit that type of atmosphere, I chose to agree to it.’’ It hasn’t really mattered where this game has been played. Oklahoma State won the first two meetings, in 1960 and 1961, but Nebraska has won 33 of the 34 since then. The teams tied in 1973. The Cowboys (2-1) come into the game off an open date. In their last game, they beat Mississippi State 42-23 and rolled up more than 500 yards of offense. It’s that game, Simmons said, that he and his staff will try to build on as they prepare this week. ‘‘What you do is respect the fact that they’re a good program and a good football team, but you go in there in the game believing in yourself,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘If we play the way we played last week, then we’ll have an opportunity.’’ Nebraska (4-0) is coming off its most impressive victory of the season, 55-7 over then-No. 9 Washington. The Cornhuskers have won 18 straight games, the longest streak in the country, and they got a boost Saturday when DeAngelo Evans returned to the lineup for the first time since December 1996. Evans carried 13 times for 146 yards and three touchdowns as Nebraska ran for 434 yards. The defense was equally impressive, forcing six turnovers and forcing quarterback Brock Huard to run for his life most of the afternoon. Simmons pointed out that Washington put almost no emphasis on a running game, while Oklahoma State tries to balance the run and the pass. The Cowboys did that very effectively against Mississippi State. ‘‘Will we be good enough? I think our team feels pretty good about its chances,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘Now we’ve got to go out and play and see if we are.’’ Saturday’s game begins at 6:07 p.m. and will be televised on Fox Sports Net. OU-Texas Game Slated for 11:30DALLAS (AP) — Officials said Monday that the start time for the Oct. 10 game between Texas and Oklahoma will be 11:30 a.m. The annual Red River Shootout between the Longhorns and Sooners will be carried regionally by Fox Sports Syndication as the Big 12 Network game of the week. Fox Sports is also scheduled to carry the OSU-Texas Tech game on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m
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